How to Scan in Brother Printer DCP-T520W: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Multifunction Device

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Brother DCP-T520W printer? This versatile machine isn’t just for printing; it’s also a powerful scanner, capable of transforming physical documents into digital files. But navigating the world of scanning can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to the process. This guide will walk you through the steps, from connecting your printer to choosing the right scan settings, ensuring you can scan in Brother printer DCP-T520W with ease and efficiency.

Getting Started: Connecting Your Printer

The first step is connecting your Brother DCP-T520W printer to your computer. There are two primary methods:
1. USB Connection:

• Locate the USB cable included with your printer.
• Connect one end to the USB port on your printer and the other end to a USB port on your computer.
• Turn on your printer.
• Your computer should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. If not, you can download the latest drivers from the Brother website.

2. Wireless Connection:

• Ensure your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• On your printer’s control panel, navigate to the network settings.
• Select “Wireless Setup” and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
• Once connected, you can access the printer from your computer via the network.

The Power of the Brother iPrint&Scan App

For seamless wireless scanning, the Brother iPrint&Scan app is a game-changer. Available for both Android and iOS devices, this app allows you to scan documents directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your mobile device.
2. Open the app and select your Brother DCP-T520W printer from the list.
3. Choose “Scan” to access the scanning options.
4. Place the document on the scanner bed, ensuring it’s flat and aligned.
5. Select your desired scan settings (e.g., color, resolution, file type).
6. Tap “Scan” to begin the process.
7. Save the scanned document to your device’s storage or share it directly with other apps.

Scanning Directly from Your Computer

If you prefer the control of your computer, you can scan directly using the Brother DCP-T520W’s built-in software:
1. Open the Brother ControlCenter: This software is usually installed automatically during the printer setup. You can find it in your computer’s start menu or applications folder.
2. Select “Scan” from the main menu: This will open the scanning window.
3. Choose your scan settings: Specify the document type (e.g., photo, text), color mode (e.g., color, black and white), resolution, and file format (e.g., PDF, JPEG).
4. Place your document on the scanner bed: Ensure it’s flat and aligned.
5. Click “Scan” to start the process: The scanned image will appear in the preview window.
6. Save the scanned document: Choose a location on your computer and save the file in your preferred format.

Understanding Scan Settings: A Guide to Quality and Efficiency

The scan settings you choose directly impact the quality and file size of your scanned documents. Here’s a breakdown of common settings:
Document Type:

• Text: For documents with primarily text, like invoices or reports, this setting optimizes the scan for sharp text clarity.
• Photo: When scanning pictures, this setting captures more detail and color accuracy.

Color Mode:

• Color: Scans the document in full color, ideal for photos or documents with colored elements.
• Black and White: Scans the document in grayscale, suitable for text-only documents or if you want to save on file size.

Resolution:

• Low (e.g., 75 dpi): For quick scans and documents that don’t require high detail.
• Medium (e.g., 150 dpi): A good balance between quality and file size, suitable for most documents.
• High (e.g., 300 dpi): Offers the best detail and clarity, ideal for photos or documents that need to be printed at high resolution.

File Format:

• PDF (Portable Document Format): Preserves the original formatting of the document and is widely compatible.
• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Commonly used for images and photos, offering good compression and image quality.
• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): Offers high-quality image preservation and is often used for professional printing.

Tips for Optimal Scanning: Maximizing Your Results

To ensure the best possible scans, consider these tips:

• Clean the scanner bed: A clean scanner bed prevents dust or smudges from affecting your scans.
• Use a flat surface: Place your document flat on the scanner bed to avoid distortions.
• Adjust the document size: If your document is larger than the scanner bed, you can scan it in sections and stitch them together later using image editing software.
• Experiment with settings: Try different settings to find the optimal combination for your specific needs.
• Check the preview: Always review the preview image before saving to ensure the scan is satisfactory.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Scanning Techniques

The Brother DCP-T520W offers advanced features for specific scanning needs:
Scanning Multiple Pages:

• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): This feature allows you to scan multiple pages automatically. Simply load the documents in the ADF, select the desired settings, and start the scan. The printer will automatically scan each page and create a single multi-page document.
• Manual Scanning: If you have a thick book or a document that cannot be fed through the ADF, you can manually scan each page.

Scanning to a Specific Destination:

• Email: Scan directly to an email address.
• Cloud Drive: Scan directly to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Network Folder: Scan directly to a shared network folder.

Scanning with Special Features:

• ID Card Scanning: The Brother DCP-T520W can scan both sides of an ID card simultaneously, creating a single document.
• Two-sided Scanning: This feature allows you to scan both sides of a document without manually flipping it.

The Final Word: Unlocking the Potential of Your Brother DCP-T520W

By mastering the art of scanning in Brother printer DCP-T520W, you’ve unlocked a world of possibilities. Whether you’re digitizing important documents, preserving treasured photos, or creating digital copies for sharing, this versatile printer is your reliable partner.
Remember to experiment with different settings, explore advanced features, and don’t hesitate to consult the user manual for detailed guidance on specific tasks. With a little practice and a clear understanding of the options available, you’ll soon be a scanning expert, confidently transforming paper into digital data with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I scan directly to a USB drive?
A: Unfortunately, the Brother DCP-T520W does not have the capability to scan directly to a USB drive. You can, however, scan to your computer and then save the file to a USB drive.
Q: What is the maximum document size I can scan?
A: The Brother DCP-T520W has a maximum scan area of 8.5 inches by 14 inches, which is suitable for standard letter-sized documents.
Q: Can I scan in color and black and white simultaneously?
A: No, you can only choose one color mode at a time. However, you can scan the same document multiple times with different settings to achieve both color and black and white versions.
Q: How do I troubleshoot scanning problems?
A: First, ensure your printer is properly connected and turned on. Check the paper path for any obstructions. If the problem persists, refer to the Brother DCP-T520W user manual or contact Brother support for assistance.